Spanish version
The best board-certified doctors abroad
San José - Costa Rica medical tourism guide and specialists
Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. It is known for its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.
Local weather:
18.18 °C
Costa Rica has a rich and diverse culture that reflects the country's indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean heritage. The official language is Spanish, and Catholicism is the predominant religion.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from December to April, while the rainy season lasts from May to November. During the dry season, the weather is generally hot and sunny, with occasional rain showers. Temperatures can range from the mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit (24-31 degrees Celsius), depending on the region. The Caribbean coast tends to be more humid than the Pacific coast.
Costa Rica has a well-developed healthcare system and is known for its high-quality medical care, particularly in the areas of medical tourism and plastic surgery. There are many medical specialists in the country, including dental specialists, orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, etc.
The official language is Spanish, but many Costa Ricans speak English as well. The currency is the Costa Rican colón, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas You can pay with US Credit/Debit cards on most restaurants and establishments.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry season runs from December to April, while the rainy season lasts from May to November. During the dry season, the weather is generally hot and sunny, with occasional rain showers. Temperatures can range from the mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit (24-31 degrees Celsius), depending on the region. The Caribbean coast tends to be more humid than the Pacific coast.
Costa Rica has a well-developed healthcare system and is known for its high-quality medical care, particularly in the areas of medical tourism and plastic surgery. There are many medical specialists in the country, including dental specialists, orthopedic surgeons, cardiologists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, etc.
The official language is Spanish, but many Costa Ricans speak English as well. The currency is the Costa Rican colón, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas You can pay with US Credit/Debit cards on most restaurants and establishments.
Top medical specialists in San José, Costa Rica
Dentists
Fertility
Ophthalmology
Plastic surgery
San José, Costa Rica general information
*Good
*Good
*Good
*Good
*Main tourist attractions points and our suggested places.
Information about Embassies, Consulates or Consular Agencies for U.S. and Canadian citizens.
In case of emergency, lost passport or general assistance to citizens traveling in Panama please contact the proper embassy or consulate.
U.S. Consulate in San José, Costa Rica
Edificio Centro Colón, Paseo Colón, San José, Costa Rica.
Assistance to U.S. citizen
From Costa Rica:
Tel: 506 2519-2000
Tel: 506 2519-2000
From the United States:
Tel: 011-506-2519-2000
Tel: 011-506-2519-2000
Consulate of Canada in San José, Costa Rica
Multiplaza Escazú, Third Floor, Suite 364, Escazú, San José, Costa Rica
Assistance to Canadian citizen
From Costa Rica:
Tel: (506) 2242-4400
Tel: (506) 2242-4400
From the United States:
Tel: 011-506-2242-4400
Tel: 011-506-2242-4400
Safety tips
We recommend being aware of your surroundings, using reputable taxis, and common-sense precautions.
Arriving by air
Costa Rica's main international airport is the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), which is located in the city of Alajuela, just outside of the capital city of San José. The airport is served by many major airlines from around the world.
Common flights to Costa Rica (Approx.)
New York City: 5:05 Hrs.
San Francisco: 7:55 Hrs.
Los Angeles: 5:45 Hrs.
Houston: 3:40 Hrs.
San Francisco: 7:55 Hrs.
Los Angeles: 5:45 Hrs.
Houston: 3:40 Hrs.
Atlanta: 4:00 Hrs.
Toronto: 5:30 Hrs.
Montreal: 5:45 Hrs.
Vancouver: 9:50 Hrs.
Toronto: 5:30 Hrs.
Montreal: 5:45 Hrs.
Vancouver: 9:50 Hrs.
How to move around the city
Costa Rica offers various transportation services for travelers, including private transfers, rental cars, public buses, taxis, and domestic flights. Private transfers provide door-to-door transportation, while rental cars allow travelers to explore the country independently. Public buses are affordable and efficient, while taxis are widely available but should only be used if licensed. For longer distances, domestic flights are also an option.
Where to stay?
Costa Rica has many hotels, or vacation homes with prices ranging from $80 - $120 USD per night. It's important to note that prices may vary depending on the season, with higher prices during peak tourist seasons.
Additional information
Arenal Volcano National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Tortuguero National Park
Corcovado National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Tortuguero National Park
Corcovado National Park
Places you can drive from San José, Costa Rica (Approx.)
Cartago - 15 miles
Puntarenas - 59.8 miles
Jaco beach - 61.7 miles
Arenal volcano - 84.2 miles
Puntarenas - 59.8 miles
Jaco beach - 61.7 miles
Arenal volcano - 84.2 miles
It should be kept in mind that travel durations while driving can differ due to factors such as traffic, road conditions, and other variables. Furthermore, certain locations might require a specialized vehicle like a 4x4 or a boat to be reached.
General information
If you are looking for more information about destinations, events, concerts or the many activities in the city
Events
Fiestas Palmares
Festival
Date: January
Venue: Varies per event
Festival de las Luces
Festival
Date: December
Venue: Paseo Colón
For more information about the events, please check their official website or social media.